First-Friday service -- All Souls Day

Today, as usual, I led a first-Friday service of contemplative prayer and song. This month's service coincided as an observance of All Souls Day. I prepared a "Day of the Dead"-style altar--which I stupidly didn't think to photograph--with candles and icons, plus photos and keepsakes of my dead and Hugo's dead. Some of those who attended brought additional photos or keepsakes to add to the altar. It was chaotic and familial.

The theme this month was Abiding in Christ. Living or dead, all who have been made one with Christ abide together in him forever.

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PSALM 16

Protect me, O God!
I flee to you for refuge.
You are my benefactor.
All that is good, I have from you.

I praise you, my trusted guide!
Even at night, you teach me through my dreams.
Wherever I am, you are with me.
With you always at my side, nothing can shake me.

Therefore my heart is glad! My spirit rejoices!
My body rests, assured of your protection.
For I know you will not give me up to the underworld.
You will not abandon your faithful servant to the grave.

You have taught me the way that leads to life.
You have invited me to sit at your right hand.
Surely there is no greater pleasure!
In your presence, my joy is full!

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ROMANS 8:35, 37-39

Can anything separate us from Christ’s love?
Hardship?
Distress?
Persecution?
Famine?
Poverty?
Danger?
Violence?

No!
Over all these things, we are victorious
through the One who loved us.

I am convinced
there is absolutely nothing
that can ever separate us
from the love of God in Jesus Christ:

nothing in heaven or on earth,
nothing in the heights or in the depths,
nothing present or future,
not life,
not death.

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JOHN 15:4-12 (selections)

A branch cannot bring forth grapes by itself.
It must abide in the vine.

I am the vine;
you are the branches.
Abide in me,
and you will bring forth much fruit.
Apart from me,
you can do nothing.

As my Father has loved me,
I have loved you.
Abide in my love.

You will abide in my love
if you live the way I teach you,
just as I abide in my Father’s love
because I have lived the way my Father taught me.

This is my teaching:
As I have loved you,
love one another.

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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Risen Christ—
you are always with us, whether or not we perceive it.
We praise you for all the ways that you have sustained and supported us.

You have taught us that we should love others as you have loved us.
We fail to live up to that teaching—yet your love flows to us still.
Transform us, through your Spirit, so that we will love as you love.

We pray for people who suffer—
those who are burdened,
those who mourn,
those who are in need of comfort.
Show us what you want us to do
to be instruments of your love for people in need.

We pray for your church—for all who have been joined to you.
May we bring forth fruits worthy of your name.

Risen Christ—
you are Lord of the dead as well as Lord of the living.
Those who have been made one with you, abide in you forever.
We pray for our dead.

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CONCLUDING PRAYER

When we feel alone,
you are our companion.

When we feel lost,
you are our guide.

When we are afraid,
you are our strength.

When we feel spent, or fruitless,
you are the roots that infuse us with new life.

And when at last we fall off the edge of this world,
you are the warm, blue sea
into which we will plunge.

Amen.